Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — )
PROGRAM D-8497
I’m challenging you—and myself—to begin each workday asking what you can do to make a positive difference where you work.
There are any number of ways you can do this: in the way you work, in the quality of your work effort, and of course, in your interactions with the people you work with and for. Let’s think of some practical ways you could make a difference, no matter where you work. You can make a difference by adding something positive or eliminating something negative.
The first and most important way you make a difference is by your very demeanor. Do you show up at work in negative mode, complaining too often, criticizing too much? That’s a negative that can be eliminated. So, first, you can show up each day in positive mode, with a smile on your face, greeting people in a friendly way, and keeping your words out of negative territory.
I think many times we are more negative than we realize. So, here’s a suggestion: Determine the next day you go to work that you will not say anything negative all day long. Set that as your goal—to get through one entire day without being negative. Put reminders around you to help you remember; pray about it at the beginning of your day and ask God to help you remember not to say anything negative all day. If you will do that, you may be surprised to see how many times you begin a negative comment, and you have to stop in the middle of your sentence.
Then, once you’re focused on eliminating your own negative words and attitudes, think of what you could do to eliminate some other negatives where you work. What is it about the work environment that is negative? Too dark? Too dreary? Too hot or cold? It’s possible you could do something to improve the environment.
Here in our small office one of my staff voluntarily puts up different displays around us. She is very creative, and she changes them with the seasons and holidays. So, we always have a cheerful, encouraging display to brighten up our office space. It’s not in her job description; she just does it. And it makes a difference.